It is not only in the eyes that a person’s character is reflected but also through the music that he listens. It reflects the stories of man. It mirrors his emotion, his character and his entire being. It even reflects his history, his civilization alongside with his evolution. It has become a part of the rhythm on man’s life as well as in the world where he lives in. Indeed, it is one of humans most important discoveries.
In every occasion, there is a music that fits. Birthday? Christmas? New Year? Name it, and you’ll have it. But did you know music long before were first used for worship. Yes, you heard it right, for worship. And that tradition even continues today. We hear it in churches and in cathedrals. By mean we call them today as gospel or Christian songs.
What are Christian songs?
Worship, Christian or Gospel songs are music which are created for the sole purpose of expressing personal or communal belief on Christian life and faith . Praise, thanks, giving, repentance and lament are some of the kinds of Christian songs.
Christian music varies according to culture and traditions. One doesn’t fit all, as they say. These songs are composed and performed for several reasons. These songs are used for aesthetic pleasure, and ceremonial purposes. Among of the most prevalent uses of these songs are in church worship. It could be in the form of whole congregation (assembly), or by specific smaller group-such as a soloist, duet, trio, quartet, madrigal, choir, or worship bands. In most cases these songs are performed with accompaniment. Sometimes these are sung in a cappella.
The Instrumental Accompaniment
Most of the worship songs used instruments like organ, piano, electronic keyboard, guitar, or another accompaniment. Some other churches even used bamboo organs to accompany the song.
What are types of christian songs ?
According to Nijel Ajay Kumar in his online article titled ‘The Five Types of Christian Songs (used in Church),’ “There are five types of Christian songs used in Churches today: declarative, confessional, prophetic, celebratory, free style”. “Declarative songs proclaim the truth of God and His work. Confessional songs are confessing sins and asking forgiveness . Prophetic songs unlike the declarative and confessional songs speaks from the point of view of God to the church. Celebratory songs are popular in Sunday schools and youth groups. Free Styles are typified by singers who spontaneously create new songs on stage, and/or speak words of declaration/confession/encouragement while the music is playing in the background,” said Kumar.
It is not only in the eyes that a person’s character is reflected but also through the music that he listens.